1997 Pontiac Sunbird problems
The Pontiac Sunbird (also known as the Pontiac J2000 and Pontiac 2000) is a model line that was manufactured and marketed by Pontiac from the 1976 to the 1994 model years. Loosely deriving its name from the Pontiac Firebird, the Sunbird was introduced as the eventual replacement for the Pontiac Astre, replacing it entirely in 1978 as the smallest Pontiac (the later T1000 was slotted below it in size).
The first generation of the Sunbird used the subcompact GM H platform. Serving as the Pontiac counterpart of the Chevrolet Monza, the Sunbird was offered as a two-door notchback coupé and three-door hatchback and station wagon. The model was manufactured alongside the Monza, Buick Skyhawk, and Oldsmobile Starfire at Lordstown Assembly (Lordstown, Ohio), South Gate Assembly (South Gate, California) and Sainte-Thérèse Assembly (Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec), Canada.
The second generation of the Sunbird used the compact GM J platform. Serving as the Pontiac counterpart of the Chevrolet Cavalier, the Sunbird was marketed at various times as a two-door notchback coupé or convertible, three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and five-door station wagon. The model line was manufactured alongside the Cavalier at Lordstown Assembly (Lordstown, Ohio), Ramos Arizpe Assembly (Ramos Arizpe, Mexico), and alongside the Buick Skyhawk and Oldsmobile Firenza at Leeds Assembly (Kansas City, Missouri) in 1982 only.
While not as long-running as the Bonneville, Grand Prix, and Firebird nameplates, Pontiac would use the Sunbird nameplate for 17 model years. After the Sunbird skipped the 1981 model year entirely, it was released as an early 1982 and renamed the J2000; the Sunbird name was returned for 1984. For 1995, the Sunbird underwent a substantial model update and was renamed the Pontiac Sunfire.
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Common 1997 Pontiac Sunbird problems
The Pontiac Sunfire, produced from 1995 to 2005, is a compact car known for its affordability and performance. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, based on owner complaints and discussions in forums.
- Engine Issues: The 1997 Pontiac Sunfire has a reputation for engine problems, which is the most common issue reported by owners. These problems include rough idling, misfiring cylinders, and a cracked head gasket. These issues can lead to starting and stalling problems, which can be frustrating for drivers.
- Power Window Mechanism: Many Sunfire owners have reported issues with the power window mechanism, which is made of cheap plastic parts that break easily. This can lead to the power windows not working at all, and replacing the entire assembly can cost up to $450.
- Fuel Pump Failure: Another common problem with the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire is fuel pump failure, which can cause the car to stall while driving or not start at all. This issue is more prevalent in the 2003 model year, but it can still affect the 1997 model.
- Erratic Gauges: Some Sunfire owners have reported issues with the gauges, which can be erratic and difficult to read. This issue is more prevalent in the 2005 model year but can still affect the 1997 model.
- Rough Shifting: Some Sunfire owners have reported issues with rough shifting, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including low transmission fluid levels or a worn clutch.
- Anti-Theft System Issues: The anti-theft system in the Sunfire can sometimes cause issues, including the car not starting or the theft light staying on. This issue can be resolved by disconnecting the connector with three wires, but it may cause the theft light and service light to stay on all the time.
- Key Code Retrieval: Retrieving the key code for the Pontiac Sunfire can be a complex process, especially when it involves removing the steering wheel to expose the ignition lock. Locksmiths can disassemble the ignition and possibly the door lock to create a matching key, but finding the right key blank is crucial for a successful key replacement.
In summary, the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire has several common problems, including engine issues, power window mechanism failure, fuel pump failure, erratic gauges, rough shifting, anti-theft system issues, and key code retrieval. These issues can be frustrating for drivers, but many of them can be resolved with proper maintenance and repair.
1997 Pontiac Sunbird car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Sunbird problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Suspension problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Pontiac Sunbird vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Pontiac Sunbird complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Pontiac Sunbird.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-10
- VIN: 3G2JB1245VS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN WAS LOOSE AND THE DRIVER HAD NO CONTROL WITH STEERING WHEEL. FIRST BROKE LAST YEAR, AND THE OWNER HAD IT REPAIRED ON MARCH 10, 2004. A MONTH OR TWO MONTHS LATER THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN BROKE AGAIN. CURRENTLY, IT BROKE F A THIRD TIME. THE FIRST TIME THE OWNER HAD TO PAY TO HAVE THE REPAIRS DONE. THE SECOND TIME WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AND THE THIRD TIME THE OWNER WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR IT AGAIN. THE COST WAS AROUND $200.00. NO ONE HAS ANY IDEA ON WHY THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE. THE DEALER DID THE REPAIRS. THE OWNER HAS HAD ISSUES WITH THIS PROBLEM FOR THE PAST YEAR. THE OWNER WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE REPAIRS LAST THIS TIME BEFORE SHE PAID FOR THEM. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE BEFORE THIS. THE CAR IS ACTUALLY A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-15
- VIN: FULLFILL
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WHEEL BEARING WERE ON RECALL BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL. *NLM
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-20
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2JB1242V7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO DEFECT. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAD HIS SEAT BELT ON, THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, AND HIS HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD WITH FORCE, BUT WAS NOT INJURED. THE CONSUMER HAS A CONCERN ABOUT THE AREA WHERE HE HIT HIS HEAD IN THE WINDSHIELD, WHICH WAS THE ONLY AREA WHERE THE GLASS HAD COME OUT. SCC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2JB5249V7
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: SECOND TIMES THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AT 30 TO 40MPH AND THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR THERE IS ALSO A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Pontiac Sunbird problems:
Q&A: 2000 Pontiac Sunfire SE - Troubleshooting Common Problems
Jun 29, 2013 ... I have a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire. Sometimes when your driving, it just dies. I can pull over and restart the car and - Answered by a verified ...
Pontiac Sunfire Convertible Top Problems — Car Forums at ...
Jul 13, 2006 ... I have a 97 sunfire. The top wont go up or down. I can hear the electric motor but it wont budge. I have to put it up and down manually. Anyone ...
Common 3.1 V6 Engine Problems & Sunbird Troubleshooting ...
Feb 5, 2010 ... II am thinking of buying a 1997 Pontiac Grand Am with a 3.1 ... Can I get the 3.1 Engine in my Sunbird, make the same amount ... Pontiac Grand ...
Pontiac Sunfire Problems and Complaints - 18 Issues
Top Pontiac Sunfire Problems · Turn Signal Switch May Fail and Cause Signals Not to Work · Power Window Motors May Fail From Overheating · Check Engine Light Due ...
Pontiac Sunfire Starting and Stalling Problems — Car Forums at ...
Mar 10, 2005 ... I have a 1997 sunfire. It will start, but immediately dies out. If I keep the starter engaged it will continue to run. As long as the key is ...
Other years of Pontiac Sunbird
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